FYI. C&P from my FB page.
As many of you already know, aside from the website and videos, I invest fair amount of my time on attending meetings that may concern the angling community in the Lower Fraser. Seeking solutions to sustainable fishing practices and resolutions to conflicts between user groups have always been an interest of mine. Primarily, as a business that depends on the well being of the natural resources, I feel obligated to invest on this as a way to give back. Secondly, I do it so my kids will hopefully have the same opportunities as I have had.
In the Lower Fraser River, the interests between recreational fisheries and First Nations' FSC fisheries often overlap. The issues can be complex and you really have to spend a good chunk of time to understand and appreciate the concerns being brought forward by both sides. My recent projects with Dennis at Respect for Fish and Marilyn at Murphy Sportfishing have given me a better understanding and ideas on how to approach these issues.
Today I was invited by Sts'ailes, or Chehalis First Nations, to a meeting, discussing recent conflicts on the Chehalis River. Fishing opportunities have been reduced drastically for recreational fishermen this year. With only two river salmon fisheries remaining in the Fraser Valley during the summer months (Chilliwack and Chehalis River), we are now seeing a spike of angling pressure on these systems when the fisheries peak. For the Chehalis River, it is a relatively smaller system in comparison to the Chilliwack/Vedder River so the infrastructures and resources are not necessarily ready for the high demand.
Here are several issues that have developed this summer:
1) Permitted parking areas are limited so anglers have chosen to ignore the no parking signs and private properties.
2) Trespassing on Chehalis First Nations' land has become a common occurrence.
3) Jet boating in the lower river has become a safety concern for families who are swimming in the area. Furthermore, anglers have neglected them by proceeding to fish in the same waters, forcing families to leave or creating conflicts between both groups.
Regarding parking and trespassing, I always like to believe that 99% of the people want and choose to follow the rules. There needs to be better signages to inform anglers where public parking and accesses are. This is something that both groups will continue to work on as we go into the fall river salmon season. Chief Ralph Leon Jr. and I had a lengthy and constructive conversation on these issues. He wants anglers to come and enjoy what the river offers, but at the same time he has legitimate concerns for his people's safety when trespassing occurs. I think all of us would have the same concerns if it occurs in our own backyards.
The bottom line really comes down to respect and sharing. If you are planning to fish the area, please be mindful of these concerns. A good day at the river is when everyone enjoys what the river offers in a safe manner.
We also discussed what potential impacts this spike of fishing pressure from both groups in terminal fisheries due to the closures in the Fraser River has on the stocks. This will require more discussions and hopefully lead to long term solutions.
Overall, I was very thankful to be a part of the dialogue, which I believe is the only approach to navigate through the challenges we have in the Lower Mainland fisheries right now. Please share these thoughts with others.
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Topic: Recent Chehalis River conflicts (Read 8922 times)